Clare County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 48th-largest in Michigan
The population of Clare County, Michigan is 31,109 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 48th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $49,805, the median home value is $117,400, and the median age is 48.3.
The population of Clare County has grown 1.3% since 2010 (31,005 → 31,405), a +0.09% annualized rate.
31,109
Population
+0.09%
Annual growth
55
People / sq mi
$49,805
Median Income
$117,400
Median Home Value
Clare County covers 564 sq mi of land at 55.1 people per square mile.
About Clare County, MI
Homeownership is the standout figure in Clare County: 86.2% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Clare County is a county in Michigan with a population of 31,109. It ranks #48 among counties in Michigan by population.
The typical household earns $49,805, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.8%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $117,400, with typical rent around $743.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 13.0%, below the national 35.0%. Around 10.1% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Clare County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Clare County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Clare County had a population of 31,005 in 2010 and 31,405 in 2024, a 1.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 31,405 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.09%.
31,405
Population (2024)
31,005
Population (2010)
31,405
Peak (2024)
0.09%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 31,005 |
| 2011 | 31,002 |
| 2012 | 30,796 |
| 2013 | 30,598 |
| 2014 | 30,727 |
| 2015 | 30,611 |
| 2016 | 30,382 |
| 2017 | 30,553 |
| 2018 | 30,684 |
| 2019 | 30,884 |
| 2020 | 30,843 |
| 2021 | 31,143 |
| 2022 | 31,321 |
| 2023 | 31,376 |
| 2024 | 31,405 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 94.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.3
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
24.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.4% · Seniors (65+): 24.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,805$-21,344 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,300 |
| Per-capita income | $27,619 |
| Poverty rate | 15.8%+7.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 42.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Clare County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
74.4%
Public transit
10.1%
Work from home
28.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$117,400$-100,200 vs state
Median home value
$743
Median rent
86.2%
Homeownership rate
21,953
Total housing units
55.3%
Occupied
44.7%
Vacant
13.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.3%
With health insurance
89.3%
With broadband internet
13.6%
Foreign-born
9.6%
Veterans (18+)
23.6%
With a disability
94.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.2%
High School+
13.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Michigan
Other counties in Michigan
Part of Michigan
Metro areas in Michigan
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Clare County, Michigan has a population of 31,109 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 48th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 55 people per square mile.
The population of Clare County has grown 1.3% since 2010 (31,005 → 31,405), a +0.09% annualized rate.
The median household income in Clare County, Michigan is $49,805, with mean (average) household income of $66,300 and per-capita income of $27,619. 15.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Clare County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.4%), Hispanic or Latino (2.5%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Clare County, Michigan is 48.3 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Clare County is $117,400 and median monthly rent is $743. 86.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 21,953 total housing units, 44.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Clare County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Clare County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
Clare County, MI Climate
Clare County, MI has an average annual temperature of 6.7°C (44°F) and receives about 788 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
6.7°C
Avg Temp
788
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 19° | 42 mm |
| February | -6° / 20° | 32 mm |
| March | -1° / 30° | 53 mm |
| April | 6° / 43° | 68 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 74 mm |
| June | 17° / 63° | 78 mm |
| July | 20° / 68° | 69 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 90 mm |
| September | 15° / 58° | 97 mm |
| October | 9° / 47° | 68 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 63 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 54 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Clare County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Clare County, MI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Clare County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.